Pew Research: What Americans Think About the GOP’s Budget and Tax Bill

Americans are largely skeptical of the GOP’s sweeping budget and tax legislation — the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” — currently under Senate consideration after passing the House in May. The bill is a top priority for President Trump, but the public response is mostly negative.

• Overall sentiment:

  • 49% oppose the bill

  • 29% support it

  • 21% are unsure

• Expected impact:

  • 54% say it would negatively affect the country

  • 51% expect it to increase the deficit

  • 47% believe it would negatively affect them and their families

• Who benefits?

  • 55% say the bill would help high-income earners

  • 59% say it would hurt low-income people

  • 51% say it would hurt middle-income people

• Partisan divide:

  • 80% of Democrats oppose the bill (two-thirds strongly)

  • 56% of Republicans support it, but only a quarter strongly

  • Republicans are split on the bill’s effect on the deficit

• Tax policy opinions:

  • Modest support for extending 2017 tax cuts (42%)

  • 39% support increasing SALT deductions

  • 43% support taxing wealthy universities

  • Less support for ending tax credits for EVs (37%) or clean energy (29%)

• Other proposals:

  • 49% support Medicaid work requirements

  • Public is split on increased deportation funding (41% support, 45% oppose)

Bottom line: The public views the bill as disproportionately benefiting the wealthy and worsening the deficit — with sharp partisan divides shaping the debate.